What Are BTUs?

When you’re looking for your next rent to own air conditioner or heater, you’ll see a “BTU rating” listed in the specifications. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and it’s important to understand to make sure you get an air conditioner or heater that will work for you.

In the simplest explanation, BTUs measure how well an air conditioner cools and how well a heater heats. Understanding how BTUs work can help you choose a unit that will match the needs of the room it will be in.

How many BTUs does my room need?

Finding the right amount of BTUs you need for your room is actually quite simple. First, you’ll need to find the square footage of your room. This can be done by measuring the length of two perpendicular walls and multiplying the lengths together. Once you’ve got the square footage, multiply that number by 35. That is the estimated BTUs you’ll need to heat or cool your room.

A few things to note:

If the room is particularly shaded, reduce the number of BTUs by 10%

If the room is rather sunny, increase the amount of BTUs by 10%

If the room will hold more than two people for long periods of time, add 600 BTUs per person to your total estimated BTUs

As with most home projects, finding the right portable heating or cooling unit can involve some trial and error. At Buddy’s Home Furnishings, we’re all about getting things right. That’s why our rentals come with no commitment. We invite you to try out a rent to own heater or air conditioner and see how it works for you. If at any time during your rental term you decide the unit doesn’t work for your home, you can return it to our store, no problem.

Heating and cooling your home shouldn’t be a hassle. Head to Buddy’s Home Furnishings today to see just how easy it can be.

About Buddy’s

Buddy’s Home Furnishings is the third largest "Rent to Own" dealer in the United States with over 330 locations nationwide. Learn more...